Integrated Sensor Assembly for Liquid Level and Turbidity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart cleaning devices, such as washing machines and dishwashers, require multiple sensors for liquid level, turbidity, and temperature detection, which are installed in different positions, leading to complex wiring and space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor assembly with a housing that integrates liquid level, turbidity, and temperature sensing modules, where the turbidity sensing module includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit positioned oppositely on the housing's outer surface, allowing for simplified wiring and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors (liquid level, turbidity, temperature) are installed in different positions independently, then each sensor can perform its specific detection function, but the wiring becomes more complicated and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines liquid level sensor, turbidity sensor, and temperature sensor into a single integrated sensor assembly that is installed at one location on the water supply pipe. This merging of multiple independent sensors into one unified device reduces wiring complexity while maintaining all detection functions, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliable detection and simplified wiring.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed in different positions, then each sensor can detect its parameter accurately, but the installation takes up more space
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly integrates multiple sensing functions into a single compact unit that occupies one installation location on the water supply pipe, significantly reducing the space required compared to installing separate sensors at different positions, while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated sensing elements for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs liquid level detection, turbidity detection, and temperature detection, allowing one installation to replace multiple separate installations and thereby reducing the total area occupied while maintaining all detection capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are installed independently in different positions, then each sensor can be optimized for its function, but the overall system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent sensing systems into one integrated assembly with unified housing and mounting structure, reducing system complexity while preserving the adaptability and versatility of each sensing function through dedicated sensors optimized for their specific measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can detect liquid level, turbidity, and temperature simultaneously, providing system versatility while reducing overall complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single standardized installation unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated sensor assembly reduces complexity and saves space, improving wiring and installation efficiency while enhancing product reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are located oppositely on an outer surface of the housing to allow a light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the cavity of the housing and be received by the light receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a housing including a cavity allowing a liquid to flow thereinto, a liquid level sensing module installed on the housing and configured to sense information related to a liquid level when the liquid is flowing into the cavity, and a turbidity sensing module installed on the housing. The turbidity sensing module includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are located oppositely on an outer surface of the housing to allow a light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the cavity of the housing and be received by the light receiving unit.